Expedition Northeast Vietnam 6 Days Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Halong Bay Cruise Adventure

Day 1: Hanoi – Babe National Park – Kayaking on the Nang River (L/D)

Drive to Thai Nguyen, you continue on sealed road through renowned tea growing areas, where the hillsides are literally covered in plantations, from here it’s a short ride to the edge of Ba Be Lake. An amazing, unspoiled, quiet, beautiful place well worth the visit away from the crowds.

After lunch, you will learn how to paddle a kayak on lakes and rivers, take the dry bags, sports equipment and life jackets... Kayaking along the lakeside past the islands is the most enjoyable experience, continuing to travel down the Nang River to see Dau Dang Waterfall before having lunch at a nearby riverside village restaurant. We can return to Ba Be Lake by motorboat or by a canoe. Swimming is available here. Before finishing our trip for today, we will pay a visit to An Ma temple - the sacred place of the Tay people then treks through the jungle to reach the observation hut for a panorama view of Ba Be Lake

Overnight in Ba Be.

Day 2: Expedition Tham Phay - An intriguing cave – Bangioc waterfall (B/L)

Start of the day with your exploration of Tham Phay Cave, the hike starts with a steep uphill, leading into the forest. Some rock at the top, and then a similar slope before the trail fades and you enter the valley. Turning west of the trail is a large patch of rock for you to find your way through, with the help and direction of your guide and safety team. The precarious entrance is at the end of the forest. Enjoy light lunch before starting to explore the cave.

Tham Phay Cave is a beautiful stream cave with two underground river tributaries, where you will experience narrow passages, craggy mountains, and some deep pools with very nice photo opportunities. Plants and algae cover many calcite formations. Going deeper into the cave, you will find many unusual features of the cave such as the ceiling dome and many layers of rock, giving the walls a striking appearance. You will spend about five hours exploring this 5km deep river cave, which geologists have not discovered so far. Of course, we will provide you with the necessary equipment, such as helmets and powerful headlights. The cave expands considerably as you go through the original entrance and offers some great opportunities for excellent photos.

Enjoy a few snacks before continuing the journey to explore the 2nd path of the cave system that possesses miraculous stalagmites millions of years old, dangerous sinkholes, and heat flow at the bottom. After lunch, leaving Tham Phay, drive to Ban Gioc waterfalls are one of Vietnam's natural gems.

Overnight in Ban Gioc

Day 3: Bangioc - The most astonishing waterfall – Caobang (B/L)

Start your day with sightseeing Ban Gioc Waterfall - the most astonishing waterfall in Vietnam which is also one of the best waterfalls in the world. This amazing site, fed by the Quay Son River, straddles between Vietnam - China borders swooping down from a peak of 60 meters. This is also the world’s fourth-largest waterfall that lies along the national border.

The pleasant climate in Cao Bang entices you with some day treks which take you through several villages of the ethnic groups. Mountains and jungles are plenty if you look for hard-code exploration. The difference between trekking trails in Cao Bang compared to many others in Vietnam is that it is very unlikely that you will not encounter a tourist, not even Vietnamese. For once, the mighty mountainous Northern Vietnam is only yours to unveil. Just a couple of kilometers from the waterfalls we visit the Nguom Ngao cave, which in the language of the local Tay ethnic group translates as ‘the tiger cave’, featuring huge, colorful stalactites and stalagmites.

It is over 2 km long and some of the caves are up to 60 meters high. It is divided into several sections and there is apparently a passage leading to the waterfalls, although this is not yet open to the public. After visiting the site, you transferred to Cao Bang and visit Phuc Sen Village on the way. Coming to Phuc Sen craft village, the first thing you will be surprised by is the smile of the people here, simple but gentle. Phuc Sen Forging Village still retains precious traditional cultural features

Overnight in Cao Bang

Day 4: Visit the ruins of the French fort – Langson (B/L)

Departure on a very beautiful road alongside the Chinese border. We arrive in the village of Dong Khe, siege of a terrible battle between the French and the Vietminh in October 1950. Visit of the ruins of the French fort, followed by a beautiful ride among the lime peaks to arrive to the village of Duc Long, location of General Giap's headquarters during the battle. Stroll in the village and visit of the local museum then take the road to reach Langson. In the afternoon, you visit a site unknown to tourists, the formidable Langson French Fort. In addition to the magnificent view of the entire region, it impresses by the power of its huge remains (it was blown to pieces by the Chinese in 1979).

You then go back to town and visit Tam Thanh Grotto and the ruins of the Citadel of the Mac Dynasty, a deserted site offering of beautiful view of the countryside. Overnight in Langson

Day 5: A captivating night on a meticulously crafted cruise amidst the enchanting Tonkin Gulf. Overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast, then depart from Langson for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong bay. Arrive at 12:00 and be greeted with a warm welcome and special tea at the Halong Cruise. Then it’s time to climb aboard the Halong Cruise and check in; enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions. Sail onwards towards a natural frontier Hai phong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of 400 islands.

You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. After your aquatic activities, return to the Halong Cruise and enjoy the luxuries on offer onboard or just relax in your suite, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin with cocktail in hand. Activities available include an afternoon tea and the chef will also lead a Vietnamese cookery class. A delectable dining experience to remember will be served on board; Savor the finely prepared local cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting. Bask in the radiant evening views of the bay at the bar on top deck. You will also have the chance to go squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant. The bars are open until late.

Overnight on Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Cruising and travel back to Hanoi for departure (B/Br)

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Then return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back, arriving at harbors and relaxing at our lounge while your transportation arrives. Drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight

Services Included

• Accommodation in 4-star luxury hotels or 5-star prestige hotels according to the selected option, where available.
• Best available boutique hotels, local lodges or premium regional stays in Ba Be, Ban Gioc, Cao Bang and Lang Son according to the selected package and local availability.
• One overnight cruise in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay in a private cabin, with cruise category depending on the selected package.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all transfers and sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
• English-speaking licensed local guide during sightseeing days and adventure sections as mentioned in the program.
• Airport or hotel transfers in Hanoi according to the itinerary.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary: breakfasts, lunches, dinners and brunch as specified.
• Entrance fees for all sightseeing places mentioned in the program.
• Ba Be National Park experience including Ba Be Lake, Nang River kayaking, Dau Dang Waterfall, An Ma Temple and lake-view trekking according to the itinerary.
• Tham Phay Cave exploration with local guide, safety support, helmet, headlight and basic required equipment according to supplier conditions.
• Ban Gioc Waterfall visit with scenic border landscape experience according to the program.
• Nguom Ngao Cave visit and Cao Bang cultural discovery according to the itinerary.
• Phuc Sen traditional forging village or local craft village visit according to the confirmed routing.
• Private road transfer from Northeast Vietnam to Halong Bay via Lang Son according to the program.
• Halong Bay luxury cruise with private cabin, meals on board, kayaking or swimming, afternoon tea, cooking class, squid fishing, Vovinam or morning activity, bamboo boat and Dark & Bright Cave according to the cruise program.
• Private boat trips, canoe, motorboat or kayaking arrangements where clearly mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
• Bottled water and tissues during private road transfers.
• Local taxes and service charges for included ground arrangements.
• 24/7 local support during the trip.

Services Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Domestic flights, if requested in a customized version of the itinerary.
• Vietnam visa stamping fee or e-visa fee, if applicable.
• Personal travel insurance, including medical, cancellation, baggage and adventure activity coverage.
• Medical expenses, emergency evacuation and any cost related to injury during kayaking, cave exploration, trekking or swimming activities.
• Drinks, minibar, laundry, spa treatments and personal expenses.
• Meals not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
• Single room supplement.
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels unless specifically included.
• Hotel room upgrades, suites, premium local lodge upgrades or luxury cruise upgrades if requested.
• Optional bamboo raft ride at Ban Gioc Waterfall, private photography tour, special cave specialist, upgraded adventure guide or additional kayaking route unless clearly included in the confirmed program.
• Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew, porters, boat riders and local service staff.
• High-season, Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year or public holiday supplements, if applicable.
• Additional costs caused by weather, road conditions, cave safety conditions, kayaking conditions, cruise operation changes or force majeure events.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.